Attendance was estimated to be around 300 people and the sounds of music and laughter filled the air.

Leeton Shire Council tourism and events co-ordinator Alison Egan felt the pool party was a success.

“It’s a good turnout, it’s been constant right through the day,” Mrs Egan said.

“If the beach balls were any indication we had over 100 and they’re all gone.”

Council has been working to rebuild the event in recent years in an attempt to increase interest in the community. 

“We scaled it back a few years ago and now we’re playing around with ideas on how we can build on this in the years to come,” Mrs Egan said.

In being able to see their ideas through to fruition, Mrs Egan was happy to be a part of the committee and the planning process.

What so many enjoyed on Thursday afternoon had its roots in planning going back for many months.

The hard work and effort the committee put forth all came together in a massive pool party open to all in the shire. 

“It is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes,” Mrs Egan said. 

“There’s a lot of little things that go on ... people may not realize what we have to incorporate into the events.

“It has been a challenge, but overall I think it really adds to the day.”

The pool party is only one part of Leeton’s Australia Day celebration.

For the official Australia Day ceremony in Mountford Park, Mrs Egan explained the procedure of requesting an ambassador wasn’t an easy one.

An essay about Leeton is drafted and submitted to the national council.

The national council then makes the determination in an attempt of matching an appropriate ambassador to fit the town.

“Our ambassador this year was absolutely fantastic,” Mrs Egan said.

“We were pushing for an ambassador that was very lively and someone who can lift that community spirit.”

For the small planning committee is it a labour of love from the dedicated group.

“I love it, it is an honour (to be part of it),” Mrs Egan said.

Comprised of four members, Mrs Egan said there was an open invitation extended to anyone interested in volunteering.

“We have some really good ideas,” Mrs Egan said.

“If we can build on this committee we have some wonderful things we’d like to do.”

Anyone interested is asked to stop by the Leeton Visitor Information Centre for more information.